No Looking Back (1998)

The third film in writer-director-actor Edward Burns's "Long Island Trilogy" is in some ways the slightest of the three, and that's a blessing and a curse. By keeping things spare, Burns is able to focus on the simple, honest humanity of his story, which centers on the emotional dilemma of Claudia (Lauren Holly), a small-town waitress whose engagement to blue-collar Michael (Jon Bon Jovi) is challenged when old flame Charlie (Burns) returns after an extended absence. Their shared history includes an abortion that left Claudia feeling abandoned and resentful, and for good reason, given Charlie's reputation for self-involved aloofness.

As in his previous films, Burns demonstrates a subtle hand with actors and a keen awareness of life's authentic rhythm; this movie will strongly affect anyone who can relate to Claudia's need to find herself, independent of her tenuous relationships. The performances are uniformly superb: Holly expresses the confusion and seeking quality of her character; Burns makes Charlie both charming and bluntly self-serving; and Bon Jovi shows strong potential beyond his rock-star handsomeness. Indeed, the film's only weakness is that it's stretched too thin to be truly substantial, and Burns relies far too heavily on a soundtrack (with heavy doses of Bruce Springsteen and Sheryl Crow) that too often substitutes for dialogue. It's as if Burns didn't trust his own material; he needn't have been so insecure. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

looking for a soundtrack list!! this one is a good one

Seems to be alot of people want to know what the soundtrack from the movie NO LOOKIN BACK. Here you go hope you enjoy.


Music
Joe Delia Music
Joe Delia Orchestrations
Joe Delia piano
Jesse Levy cello
Jimmy Ripp guitar
Sheryl Crow Song
Sheryl Crow Song Performer ("Home")
Gary Rossington Song ("What's Your Name")
Ronnie Van Zant Song ("What's Your Name")
Lynyrd Skynyrd (II) Song Performer ("What's Your Name")
John Hartford Song ("Gentle On My Mind")
Glen Campbell Song Performer ("Gentle On My Mind")
Pete Yorn Song
Pete Yorn Song Performer ("Long Time Nothing New" "Lost Souls")
David Lucas Song ("Bound For the Floor")
Joseph William Daniels II Song ("Bound For the Floor")
Local H Song Performer ("Bound For the Floor")
Mike Cross Song ("Plowed")
Tim Cross Song ("Plowed")
Joe Mazzola Song ("Plowed")
Jim Paluzzi Song ("Plowed")
Vinnie Domborwski Song ("Plowed")
Sponge Song Performer ("Plowed")
Georges Gasguy Song
Georges Gasguy Song Performer ("Beautiful Venice")
Saveur Mallia Song
Saveur Mallia Song Performer ("Beautiful Venice")
Macy Gray Song
Macy Gray Song Performer ("Sweet Baby")
Joe Solo Song ("Sweet Baby")
Bruce Springsteen Song
Bruce Springsteen Song Performer ("One Step Up" "I'm On Fire" "Valentine's Day")
Patti Scialfa (II) Song
Patti Scialfa (II) Song Performer ("Romeo" "Rumble Doll" "I Am A Big Girl Now")
Gregg Allman songs ("Whipping Post" "Melissa")
The Allman Brothers Band Song Performer ("Whipping Post" "Melissa")
Steve Alaimo Song ("Melissa")
Patrick Mullins Music Editor

soundtrack list from yahoo movies. Thanks yahoo

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800023741/cast
November 27, 2007

Edward Burns Box Set

I have been waiting years for this affordable release. The only thing that could have made me happier would be the release of a soundtrack for No Looking Back.

The Brothers McMullen is not my favorite movie. In my opinion, it is the weakest of the three. The acting is ok, the story line is predictable, and the characters just don't pull you in and make you care a whole lot about them. She's the One is much better.

But, my favorite is No Looking Back. Jon Bon Jovi does a great job in this film! He once again proves that some music stars CAN cross the bridge into acting. All of the actors are able to make you care about them and the outcome of the dilema that makes up the backbone of the movie. The music (Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Sheryl Crow) sets a tone that is accentuated by the cinematography. You can practically feel the chill in the air at the beginning of the movie when the camera's eye scans the "Jersey Shore". The bleakness of the background is representative of the despair felt by the characters.

I wholeheartedly recommend this box set if for nothing more than to see No Looking Back. Which, by the way, had previously cost more to purchase on its own than the box set is now. My advice, when it comes in--grab a blanket, pop the DVD in the machine and then curl up on the couch to watch it. It's one of those movies you won't soon forget! November 4, 2006

Reminded me of home*

I have been reading some of the reviews on this movie and I agree with all who thought the film was great. I didn't see anything missing other than a good fistfight scene between Michael and Charlie once Michael knew he and Claudia spent the night together.

The cast did an excellent job and the town this movie was filmed in reminded me of home. I'm a native of NJ and having filmed this movie at one of the Jersey shores was very real in the fact that its cold and rainy alot of the time. Many of the scenes actualized how the day to day grind and "comfortable" feeling life can be at times. The characters depicted real choices we all have for a different, yet uncertain path or stay in the "known". The scene at the laundromat is exactly how they look back home and the row houses and even the town diners. Ed Burns is awesome and really put alot of thought into making this movie be as realistic as possible for the location he chose to film it in.

I adore Jon Bon Jovi and even met him at Seaside Heights, NJ many years ago before he was ever famous and he was sweet and talented then as he is now as an actor.

KUDOS!! June 30, 2006

Very enjoyable film & a MUST SEE for any Jon Bon Jovi fan!

The title of my review says it all. I enjoyed the movie and the cast did an excellent job. I'm delighted to own this film. January 5, 2006

A Favorite

This is one of my favorite movies. I love the music and the story. While it's no longer available for individual sale you can still get it in the boxed set. Stores From Long Island: 3 films by Edward Burns. For just a few dollars more than the used price of one DVD you can get 3 great movies. December 7, 2005

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